Helps- hybrid electric light pole system

ABSTRACT

A hybrid, electric light pole system ( 100 ) capable of generating energy from wind and solar and collecting it in storage or transferring it to the grid, additionally it is capable of upholding a minimum (but not limited to) overnight supply of energy for uninterrupted work of one or more street electric light bulb(s) ( 107 ) is disclosed. The system comprises an adequate monopole ( 106 ) and a vertical axis wind turbine ( 101 ) rigidly attached on the top of the pole, two (but not limited to) leaves ( 103 ) are symmetrically attached to the pole with flat “C” shape branches ( 105 ), were each “C” shape branch ( 105 ) crosses the pole ( 106 ) in two support points. The top surface of each leaf is designed to handle a minimum (but not limited to) of one flexible solar panel ( 104 ). Some embodiments of the system may be equipped with additional ridged solar panel(s) ( 102 ) if it is required by calculations of designed project. The bottom surface of each leaf is designed to handle minimum (but not limited to) one light bulb ( 107 ) or light fixture ( 107 ). The generator (wind turbine and solar panels) and the load (LED or other energy efficient light bulbs or light fixtures) are wired to the controller ( 109 ) (computerized module) capable of maintaining a battery bank ( 110 ) charge and turning the lights ON and OFF based on the preset parameters. Some embodiments of the system may be used as the main components of designed smart grids for park districts, sports complexes, car dealers, shopping centers and other outdoor lighting applications. These micro grids of hybrid electric light pole systems (HELPS) may function as a self-sustainable or as a utility grid integrated component.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/953,710, filed May 14, 2014, entitled “H E L PS—HYBRID ELECTRIC LIGHT POLE SYSTEM” the contest of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

One commonly useful embodiment of the Invention narrates to thefollowing field, while the Invention may also relate to other fields anduses. The Invention may have various embodiments and variations. Oneaspect of the Invention is as a self-sustainable street lighting system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Existing street lighting systems have a number of disadvantagesincluding heat dissipation, a low light rendering factor, power factorand efficiency. Furthermore, an increasing of time required to start upin a cold weather, dependence on connection to the centralized electricgrid, and operable only on high voltage alternative currency. Thepresent invention provides an art design of a self-sustainable hybridstreet lighting system in which at least some of the abovementionedproblems are alleviated or fully remedied.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

1.) In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, provided isa self-sustainable hybrid electric light pole system characterized byadequate mono-pole, which comprises top mounted vertical axis windturbine capable to utilize energy from wind and to transform this energyto electric power.

2.) In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention,provided is a self-sustainable hybrid electric light pole systemcharacterized by a vertical axis wind turbine mounted on the top centerof the adequate mono-pole with adjacent symmetrically attached leafs tothe pole, with flat “C” shape branches, where the top surface of theseleafs is designed to handle flexible solar panels, which are capable toutilize energy from the sun and to transform this energy to electricpower. Some embodiments of the system may be equipped with additionalridged solar panel(s), if it is required by calculations of the designedproject.

3.) In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention,provided is a self-sustainable hybrid electric light pole systemcharacterized by a vertical axis wind turbine mounted on the top centerof the adequate mono-pole with adjacent symmetrically attached leafs tothe pole, with flat “C” shape branches, where the bottom surface ofthese leafs is designed to handle LED bulbs, or LED composite modules,or LED fixtures capable to distribute adequate lux brightness to thesurrounding ground surface.

4.) In accordance with a yet further of the present invention, providedis a self-sustainable hybrid electric light pole system characterized bya vertical axis wind turbine mounted on the top center of the adequatemono-pole with adjacent symmetrically attached leafs to the pole, withflat “C” shape branches with flexible solar panels allocated on the topand LED lighting elements on the bottom and computerized controllerattached to the bottom of the monopole or other designated area, thecontroller is a wired to the wind turbine, solar panels and LED lights,with the intent to provide effective power management and safe energydistribution.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the invention will be entirelyunderstood from the following detailed description taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the self-sustainable hybrid electriclight pole system according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the self-sustainable hybrid electriclight pole system, which includes adequate representation of thefoundation, and includes a top view of the self-sustainable hybridelectric light pole system as well according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the self-sustainable hybrid electric lightpole system, which includes adequate representation of the foundationaccording to the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 to 3 and the following description represent certain examples toinform those knowledgeable in the art, on how to make and use the bestmeans of the invention. For the purpose of educating inventiveprinciples, some conventional aspects have been simplified or omitted.Those knowledgeable in the art will appreciate variations from theseexamples that fall within the scope of the invention. Thoseknowledgeable in the art will appreciate that the features describedbelow can be combined in various ways to form multiple variations of theinvention. As a result, the invention is not limited to the specificexamples described below, but only by the claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the self-sustainable hybrid, electriclight pole system (HELPS) (100) according to an embodiment of theinvention. It should be appreciated that the wiring details of the HELPS(100) components are not shown for the purpose of clarity. The wiringposition and wire gauge used in the system may comprise any suitableparameters per designed capacity and local authority codes andregulations. Optional connection to the grid is not shown as it isstructured per local district codes and federal regulations.

Referring now to the drawings, the reference numerals which denotesimilar elements throughout the several views, where it shows anddescribes the invention of a self-sustainable hybrid, electric lightpole system (100) capable of generating energy from wind and solar, andcollecting it in storage (110) or transferring it to the grid as needed,and which is capable to uphold minimum (but not limited to) overnightsupply of energy (for OFF grid design configuration) for uninterruptedwork of one or more street electric light bulb(s) (107), distributing tothe ground surface lumens equivalent to the brightness of a conventionallighting system, or brightness equivalent to the standards andrequirements of the local authority.

The self-sustainable hybrid electric light pole system (HELPS) (100)shown in prospective view in FIG. 1, top view in FIG. 2 and front viewin FIG. 3 comprises of a vertical axis wind turbine (101), in this case500 W nominal capacity, center balanced hybrid wind turbine with highperformance at low wind speeds and continuous turbulence, which istypical for urban areas. The typical wind turbine is equipped with ACaxial PMG, which based on the average annual wind speed for the area,can be configured in 12 VDC; 24 VDC and 48 VDC systems.

The optional adjustable structure for installation of ridged, is up to300 W solar panels (102), in this case the comprise is a 100 Wmono-crystalline multi cell PV module, which is positioned between 32°to 45° facing south (for the northern hemisphere), which provides theability for maximum performance in a 12 month time-frame at anytemperature conditions. The solar panel(s) is connected to thecontroller with a back flow diode to prevent electric current back fromthe battery.

The leafs (103) and “C” shape branches (105) shown on FIG. 1; FIG. 2 andFIG. 3 are designed to allow a smooth transition of HELPS (100) to anynatural and/or urban environments. The leafs (103) and “C” shapedbranches (105) can be painted or coated accordingly to the surroundinghabitat. Furthermore, the leafs (103) and “C” shape branches (105) canbe manufactured form composite material or metal, in this case, the twosymmetric leafs are water jet cut steel, reinforce welded to themono-pole and decoratively painted prior to the system installation.

The HELPS (100) further comprises a plurality, in this case two standardflexible mono-crystalline multi cell solar panels (104) shown on theFIG. 1, which are connected in parallel. Each flexible solar panel (104)is wired with back flow diode. Current design allow installation of 100W maximum capacity over the top of each leaf (103). Leafs (103) aredesign to allow positioning of the flexible solar panels (104) formaximum performance.

The HELPS (100) further comprises a controller (109), in this casecomputerize module functions as an inverter for the wind turbine (101)and solar panels (102) and (104) as a battery (109) charge controller.At the same time the controller (109) allows custom settings for turningLED lights ON and OFF at sun set and sun rise. In addition, there areoptions to set LED lights to work for the determined segments of time at50% capacity or/and to turn LED lights OFF for a defined duration oftime, if desired.

The controller (109) has capability to be programmed as a grid tiedinverter, which includes a safe shut down option in case of gridshortage or maintenance.

The controller (109) has capability to slow down the wind turbine speedin OFF grid function and to prevent battery overcharge. Additionally,controller can perform wind turbine auto-stop in critical wind speeds.

The controller (109) delivers enhanced battery charge management, suchas LIFT and KICK functions. LIFT function—once the wind generatorsvoltage hits lower than the battery voltage, the controller begins toboost the module automatically to charge the battery. KICK function—oncethe wind generator voltage is higher than the battery voltage, thecontroller starts the kick module automatically to charge the battery.All of the controllers (109) power management functions, which include,but not limited to wind turbine, solar panel(s), battery, and LED lightsperformance, are able to be monitored, adjusted and recorded overEthernet and/or WiFi connection from a remote location.

The HELPS (100) further comprises a monopole (106), in this case a 25ft. high, 18 inch diameter at the foundation, and 9 inch diameter at thetop rounded steel pole. The diameters and height may vary depending onlocal zoning and geographic specifics.

The HELPS (100) further comprises a foundation (108), in this case 8 ft.deep and 36 inch diameter steel/concrete structure, which may vary fordifferent regions, soil conditions, and zoning regulations.

Having in consideration that the principles of the invention have nowbeen made comprehensible in illustrative embodiments, there will at oncebe obvious to those skilled in the art modifications of structure,proportions, elements, materials, and components, that will be used inthe observance of the invention, which are particularly adapted forspecific environments and operating requirements without departing fromthose principles. This invention is not to be limited by what has beendescribed except as designated by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A Hybrid, Electric Light Pole System (HELPS)capable of generating energy from wind and solar and collecting it instorage or transferring it to the grid, and it is capable to uphold aminimum (but not limited to) overnight supply of energy foruninterrupted work of one or more street electric light bulb(s) isdisclosed.
 2. A HELPS according to claim 1, further comprising a lowvoltage Direct Current configured system of: a. A vertical axis windturbine with axial PMG producing wild alternate current power, which isconnected to the AC input of computerized AC to DC transducercontroller; b. Solar panels connected over back flow diodes to the inputof the computerized. DC to DC transducer controller; c. A deep cyclebattery bank connected to the output of a computerized smart chargecontroller; d. A LED light(s) connected to the output of thecomputerized controller.
 3. A HELPS according to claim 2, furthercomprising a computerized controller with capability: a. To activatewind turbine's electromagnetic break when rotating speed exits presetsafety parameters; b. To activate reverse polarity protection, ifbattery, or LED or solar panel wires polarity is mistakenly switched; c.To deliver enhanced battery charge management, such as LIFT and KICKfunctions. LIFT function activates once the wind generators voltage hitslower than the battery voltage, the controller begins to boost themodule automatically to charge the battery. KICK function activates oncethe wind generator voltage is higher than the battery voltage, thecontroller starts the kick module automatically to charge the battery.d. To slow down the wind turbine speed and to prevent batteryovercharge. e. To permit management functions through Ethernet and/orWiFi connections from remote locations, which include, but not limitedto wind turbine, solar panel(s), battery, and LED lights performance,monitoring, adjustment and recording. A HELPS according to claim 3,further comprising a computerized controller with capability to operatein Intelligent Grid mood when HELPS is interconnected: a. To switch fromOFF grid to Grid. Tied mood when produced energy is over nominal batterycapacity limit; b. To monitor and record outgoing/incoming energy to andfrom HELPS c. To disengage Grid tied connection if grid is shut down.